Faking medical forms and other strategies for the un-insured

[motorhappy]

On an old episode of KATG, Keith mentioned that he usually gives a fake name when he goes to the ER, and that is how he's been able to afford medical care without insurance.

I'm in a situation where I don't have insurance yet, but have a medical problem that may be getting worse by the day (it involves a tooth). There's no way I can pay for anything. All my money goes straight to bills and I won't be caught up for a while.

Will the fake name thing work in any ER, or just in busy, under-staffed NYC hospitals? Anyone else pull the same trick? I've looked for low-income services, but apparently I have to be a pregnant woman or a crippled old man to take advantage them, but maybe there's something I don't know about.